Interview with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child star Anthony Boyle

J. K. Rowling's Wizarding World has landed on Broadway and it's here to stay, muggles! The smash hit London import of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two swept the board at the Olivier Awards in 2017 with a record-breaking nine wins and - now playing at New York's Lyric Theatre - is currently nominated for 10 Tony Awards - itself a record for most nominations for any play in Broadway history! One of the most valuable cogs in the Cursed Child machine is actor Anthony Boyle, who provides the heart and a generous dose of comic relief as new character Scorpius Malfoy, son of Harry's once nemesis Draco. Winning the Olivier Award for "Best Actor in a Supporting Role", earning a Theatre World Award for an "Outstanding Broadway Debut" and a current nomination for the Tony Award, it's safe to say that the Cursed Child experience for Mr. Boyle has been anything but cursed.

The 23-year old was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and began his training for the acting profession at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales, in 2013. During his time at college, he appeared in such Shakespeare productions as The Taming of the Shrew and Othello, playing the pivotal role of Iago in the latter, as well as Stephen Adly Guirgis' In Arabia We'd All Be Kings, but perhaps nothing could prepare him for the astronomical success that was to come his way just a few short years later thanks to the power of the Wizarding World.

We recently caught up with the young star to talk New York City and Broadway life, and why everyone falls under Scorpius' spell...

How would you compare your Broadway debut to originating the role of Scorpius Malfoy in London?

I think during the first preview over here I suddenly realized that the audiences over here in New York were going to be so vocal, so different and so much bigger, you know. I mean, it's Broadway! Everything is a bit more intense here! The audiences have been a real highlight for me.

I've grown accustomed to entrance applauses for famous actors on the New York stage, but I think this is the first time I've experienced entrance applauses just because of the recognition of familiar characters...

Yes! I think that's a special thing! It feels a bit like "Game of Thrones". You know the characters and you've waited so long for the next season to come out. And finally it comes out and you're like: "Yes! Now we get to find out what happens to them next in the story!" You don't really have to do much hard work to get them on board. They already really want to see the play, so, in some respect, it's an easy job.

But one character audiences aren't yet familiar with through the books of movies is, of course, Scorpius Malfoy, played by your good self. And yet, they are instantly drawn to him. Why do you think that is?

I think it's because he's an outsider and it's lovely to see the underdog rise up and save the day. It's a real sort of classic hero's tale and I think people really resonate with that.

Sadly, Anthony, one day you'll become too old to play Scorpius. What are your own plans after that time comes?

I don't know man. I've really fallen in love with film at the minute, so I would love to do some work on film. But I definitely wouldn't rule out more theatre in the future. Coming to Broadway has definitely got me bitten by the theatre bug.

Well, I know JK Rowling has plenty of films in the pipeline with her "Fantastic Beasts" series and I'm sure she could put in a good word for you!

Oh, I'm sure she would put in a good word for me, mate. Thank you!

Finally, is there a particular highlight of being in New York you'd like to share with us?

Yellow taxis! Just seeing yellow taxis outside makes me feel like I'm on a film set. It's beautiful!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tickets are available now.